Method and system for a common processing framework for memory device controllers

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention receive I/O commands expressed in either vendor-specific or non-vendor-specific protocols and normalize them into a common format for execution by different memory devices. Embodiments of the present invention identify these I/O commands using parameters common to both types of protocols. In this fashion, embodiments store normalized commands in data structures for execution by memory devices in which the normalized commands represent instructions for performing an action corresponding with execution of the original I/O command. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention save resources with respect to hardware and software maintenance costs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/244,622, filed Oct. 21, 2015 to Rupanagunta etal., entitled “COMMON PROCESSING FRAMEWORK FOR CONTROLLERS IN PCI SSDS”and is related to co-pending U.S. Utility Patent Application entitled“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT COMMON PROCESSING IN MEMORY DEVICECONTROLLERS” filed on Jan. 11, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/244,624, filed Oct. 21, 2015to Rupanagunta et al., entitled “EFFICIENT COMMON PROCESSING IN PCIe SSDCONTROLLERS.” All of these references are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of random-accessmemory (RAM) devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Memory device controllers, such as PCI SSD controllers, generally optrate in two different controller environments. The first environment isa host-based environment in which flash translation logic (FTL) residesin the host software driver and the controller hardware performshardware functions. The second environment is an embedded processorenvironment in which the FTL resides in embedded CPUs on the controller.

As such, these controller environments sometimes require the use ofstandardized protocols to communicate memory device commands, such asNVMe or SCSI over PCIe (SOP). These controller environments may also beimplemented in a manner that requires vendor-specific protocols (i.e.,non-NVME or non-SOP protocols). As such, the software and hardwarestructures included in these controller environments must be properlyconfigured in order to support these different types of protocols.Accordingly, many conventional memory device controller systems areoften unable to process memory device commands in a manner thatefficiently accounts for these differences.

Furthermore, conventional approaches often fail to efficiently schedulethe processing of memory device commands. For instance, conventionalapproaches are often unable to account for any interdependences relatedto the processing of memory device commands or handle the inherenttemporal ordering of such commands in a coherent fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identity key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments of the present invention receive I/O (Commands expressed ineither vendor-specific or non-vendor-specific protocols and normalizethem into a common format for execution by different memory devices.Embodiments of the present invention identify these I/O commands usingparameters common to both types of protocols. In this fashion,embodiments store normalized commands in data structures for executionby memory devices in which the normalized commands representinstructions for performing an action corresponding with execution ofthe original I/O command. Accordingly, embodiments of the presentinvention save resources with respect to hardware and softwaremaintenance costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, and in which like numerals depict like elements,illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting an exemplary data storage systemcapable of executing input/output commands expressed in differentprotocols using a single, common format in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting an exemplary input/output commandfront end engine for abstracting software data parameters frominput/output commands expressed hi different protocols in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram depicting an exemplary front end engine forabstracting hardware data parameters from memory devices in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram depicting an exemplary input/outputexpression generation module capable of generating new input/outputcommands from input/output commands expressed in different protocols inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E depicts an exemplary data structure for storing newly generatedinput/output commands in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1F depicts another exemplary data structure for storing newlygenerated input/output command expressions for grouped execution inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1G depicts a separate data structure scheme for storing newlygenerated input/output command expressions for grouped execution inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart of an exemplary process for executinginput/output commands expressed in different protocols using a singlecommon format in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a flowchart of an exemplary process for grouped execution ofinput/output commands expressed in different protocols using a singlecommon format, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with theseembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure isintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, whichcan be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as definedby the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detaileddescription of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presentdisclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosurecan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting an exemplary data storage systemcapable of executing input/output commands expressed in differentprotocols using a single common format in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. As illustrated by the embodiment depicted in FIG.1A, computer system 100 include software parameter abstraction module203, input/output expression generation module 204, hardware parameterabstraction module 207, host devices 105, input/output execution module208 and memory devices 305.

According to one embodiment, computer system 100 resides at the hostdevice driver level and therefore receives input from applicationsoperating within a user space level and/or kernel level. In this manner,computer system 160 generates corresponding I/O commands to enable acontroller, such as a PCI SSD controller or flash, controller, tooperate in a mode that allows flash memory devices, such as memorydevices 305, to store I/O commands for further processing. According toone embodiment, computer system 100 operates as firmware installedwithin a flash controller system and receives input from either a singlehost device or multiple host devices from host devices 105, therebyenabling the firmware to operate in a mode that allows flash memorydevices to store I/O commands received from a host device for furtherprocessing.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, computer system 100 sends andreceives-control bus signals and data bus signals through bus 103. Bus103 may be a command/address bus or other communications bus (such asPCI). Computer system 100 receives control signals and/or data streamsvia several different channels capable of providing connectivity to hostdevices 105 so that these devices receive and/or provide variouscomputer resources, including non-volatile memory devices such as memorydevices 305. In this fashion, computer system 100 receives controlsignals over bus 103 from host devices 105 to access data buffered inmemory devices 305.

Memory devices 305 include the functionality to act as data bufferswhich are shared by host devices 105 and/or a memory device controller.As such, host devices 105 and/or other devices perform read and/or writedata procedures using communication bus 103. For instance, if a hostdevice from host devices 100 seeks to perform read and/or writeprocedures involving memory devices 305, computer system 100communicates the instructions sent by the requesting host device to amemory device within memory devices 305 to perform the requestedprocedure, where it is then stored for further processing.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting an exemplary input/output commandfront-end engine for abstracting software data parameters frominput/output commands expressed in different protocols in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. With reference to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, software abstraction module 102 includesthe functionality to abstract parameter values from commands receivedfrom a host device from host devices 105.

For instance, with reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, thesoftware abstraction module 203 receives data path information fromsignals issued by a host device from host devices 105, such as I/Ocommand 105-1. As such, the software abstraction module 203 stores I/Ocommand 105-1 in one data buffer of a plurality of different databuffers resident on computer system 100 for further processing, I/Ocommand 105-1 can be expressed, in a vendor-specific protocol, such asLinux BIO commands. Windows SCSI CDB commands, etc., or a standardprotocol, such as an NVMe command.

Software parameter abstraction module 203 includes the functionality toidentify and translate portions of I/O command 105-1 into a commonformat or protocol adapted by computer system 100 for further processingby its components. In this fashion, software parameter abstractionmodule 203 is capable of abstracting parameters from I/O commands thatare related to locations from which data should be read from, such as aflash memory location, how many data blocks should be read, where datashould be written to, and the like. Accordingly, software parameterabstraction module 203 is configured to abstract all parameters includedwithin the data path or a subset of those parameters included. Extractedparameters are then stored and subsequently communicated to othercomponents of computer system 100 for further processing.

Host device API module 203-1 includes the functionality to identifyportions of I/O command 105-1 capable of being modified prior to orduring-execution, such as the location of where the data needs to beread from or written to. Additionally, host device API module 203-1includes the functionality to modify portions of I/O command 105-1through the interception of function calls. For instance, host deviceAPI module 203-1 utilizes computer-implemented linking procedures tointercept and/or redirect API calls, associated with I/O command 105-1to perform alternative procedures predetermined by computer system 100.

In this fashion, software parameter abstraction module 203 includes thefunctionality to include tables, such as address tables, capable ofbeing dynamically modified based on the execution status of calls storedtherein. In this/manner, host device API module 203-1 alters or modifiesI/O command 105-1 as it is being executed in real-time or prior toexecution. In some embodiments, host device API module 203-1 includes ashim layer that is utilized for further processing by components ofcomputer system 100.

Memory device translation module 203-2 includes the functionality to mapblock addresses, such as logical block addresses, received from a hostdevice from host devices 105 to a physical address of a memory devicefrom memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4. Physical addressidentification procedures generally include page identifiers, blockidentifiers, sector identifiers, etc. As such, memory device translationmodule 203-2 determines where data should be read from a memory device.In this, fashion, memory device translation module 203-2 utilizes datastructures, such as tables, to assist in performing mapping procedures.The memory device translation module 203-2 also includes thefunctionality to pass generated mapping data as parameter values toother components of computer system 100, such as input/output expressiongeneration module 204, for further processing.

Memory devices 305 are accessible by a host device from host devices 105through procedures performed by memory device translation module 203-2.Mapping procedures performed by memory device translation module 203-2allow host devices to map themselves into virtual memory space for aparticular computer resource or I/O device.

For instance, host devices and/or other devices perform DMA (DirectMemory Access) read and/or write data procedures using memory devices305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4 using the data generated by memorydevice translation module 203-2. In one embodiment, memory devicetranslation module 203-2 includes the functionality to perform flashmemory device translation procedures. Accordingly, software parameterextraction module 203 uses the functionality of host device API module203-1 and/or memory device translation module 203-2 to identify and/orstore parameter values included within portions of I/O command 105-1 forfurther processing by other components of computer system 100.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram depicting an exemplary front end engine forabstracting hardware data parameters from memory devices in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. With reference to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1C, hardware abstraction parameter module207 includes the functionality to allow computer system 100 to interactand control operation of hardware devices, such as memory devices 305-1,305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4. Hardware API module 207-1 includes thefunctionality to discover hardware devices, such as memory devices305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4.

Upon recognition of memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4,hardware API module 207-1 stores the identify of these devices withinrecognized device table 207-2. In this fashion, hardware parameterabstraction module 207 monitors and/or manages access to differentmemory devices included within computer system 100. According to oneembodiment, memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4 sendrespective control signals, such as control signals 306-1, 306-2, 306-3,306-4 respectively, to hardware API module 207-1 that communicatehardware specification and/or parameter data in response to signals senttherefrom or upon electronically coupling to computer system 100.

Control signals 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, and/or 306-4 are communicated toand from hardware API module 207-1 through object-based protocols. Forinstance, hardware API module 207-1 utilizes computer-implementedobjects to represent memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4,thereby allowing hardware API module 207-1 to track the respectiveexecution statuses of memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4.Hardware API module 207-1 also includes the functionality to uniquelyassign identifiers to memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4for tracking purposes.

Identifiers are generally in the form of memory addresses, busaddresses, or the like. In this manner, hardware parameter abstractionmodule 207 abstracts values related to memory device functionalitythrough the use of APIs and gains access to device stales. In someembodiments, signals received by hardware parameter abstraction module207 from memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4 arecommunicated thereto as system events.

With reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1D, input/outputexpression generation module 204 includes command template generationmodule 204-1, data structure generation module 205, and command groupingmodule 206-1. Command template generation module 204-1 includes thefunctionality to generate a new I/O command expression into a singlecommon format that allows vendor-specific protocols (or non-NVMeformatted commands) and standardized formats (or NVMe formattedcommands) to be harmonized and processed. For instance, command templategeneration module 204-1 generates an I/O command template and populatesthe template using parameters abstracted by software parameterabstraction module 203 and/or hardware parameter abstraction module 207.

In this fashion, command template generation module 204-4 generates anew I/O expression, such as generated command expression 204-2, usingparameters typically associated with either a vendor-specific I/Oprotocol or a standardized protocol, such as NVMe commands. Generatedcommand expression 204-2 includes parameters related to an I/O requestassociated with I/O command 105-1. I/O request parameters are placed ina predetermined section of generated command expression 204-2 designatedspecifically for I/O requests. Generated command expression 204-2 alsoincludes prototype commands that modify memory references contained inI/O command 105-1.

In this manner, generated command expression 204-2 includes parametersrelated to DMA command packets. DMA packet parameters are placed in apredetermined section of generated command expression 204-2 designatedspecifically for DMA command packets. Additionally, generated commandexpression 204-2 includes command packet parameters related toinstructions pertaining to flash device data transfers. Flash devicedata transfer parameters are placed in a predetermined section ofgenerated command expression 264-2 designated specifically for DMAcommand packets.

Command template generation module 204-1 also includes the functionalityto fill in missing details related to command packets. For instance, inone scenario, command template generation module 204-1 locates missingphysical block identifiers in a read request using software parameterextraction module 203-1. Provided that all command packets are fullyspecified in generated command expression 204-2, generated commandexpression 204-2 is then stored within a data structure generated bydata structure generation module 205 for further processing by system100.

Data structure generation module 205 includes the functionality tocreate data structures, such as data structures 205-1, which includesone or more data structures. The number of data structures created bydata structure generation module 205 can be predetermined or generateddynamically. Data structures 205-1 are in the form of databases, tables,queues, memory buffers, or the like. With reference to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1E, data, structure 205-2 is a data structure generatedby data structure generation module 205. Data structure 205-2 stores anumber of different command expressions generated by input/outputexpression generation module 204, such as generated command expressions204-3, 204-4, 204-5, 204-6, 204-13, 204-14, 204-15, and/or 204-16.Generated command expressions 204-3, 204-4, 204-5, 294-6, 204-13,204-14, 204-15, and/or 204-16 each express different I/O commands, sucha “read” command or a “write” command issued by a host device.

In one scenario, generated command expressions 204-3, 204-4, 204-5,204-6, 204-13, 204-14, 204-15, and/or 204-16 each express instructionsrelated to non-continuous host device data that is stored in separatememory devices. For instance, with further reference to FIG. 1E,generated command expressions 204-3, 204-5, 204-13, and 204-15 eachexpress instructions related to a “read” command to be performed on 1 MBof data. As such, portions of this data are stored in different memorydevices, such as memory devices 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4 sothat the entire 1 MB of data does not need to be read in series. Thus,four different read operations are performed for each memory device toread 256 KB of data.

Generated command, expressions 204-3, 204-4, 204-5, 204-6, 204-13,204-14, 204-15, and/or 204-16 are each assigned to different memoryaddress locations by data structure generation module 205, such asmemory address locations 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4, 210-13, 2111-14,210-15, and 210-16, respectively. Generated command expressions 204-3,204-4, 204-5, 204-6, 204-13, 204-14, 204-15, and/or 204-16 are eachassigned different identifiers by data structure generation module 205,such as operation IDs 215-1, 215-2, 215-3, 215-4, 215-13, 215-14,215-15, and 215-16 respectively. Operation IDs allow components ofcomputer system 100, such as command grouping module 206-1, to track arespective execution status associated with generated command,expressions. Operation IDs are created by data structure generationmodule 205 upon receipt, of a generated command expression or uponcommand template generation module 204-1's generation of a generatedcommand expression.

With further reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1D, commandgrouping module 206-1 includes the functionality to identify entriesstored in data structures generated by data structure generation module205 and perform grouping procedures on them based on predeterminedcriteria. Command grouping module 206-1 also generates and assigns groupidentifiers to generated command expressions that are identified andgrouped. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 1E, generated commandexpressions 204-3, 204-4, 204-5, 204-6, 204-13, 204-14, 204-15, and/or204-16 each express different I/O commands, such a “read” command or a“write” command issued by a host device.

FIG. 1E depicts an-exemplary data structure for storing newly generatedinput/output commands in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1E, command groupingmodule 206-1 creates a group for “read” commands, such as group ID216-1. Additionally, command grouping module 206-1 creates a group, for“write” commands, such, as group ID 216-2. In this fashion, command,grouping module 206-1 creates multiple “command groups” that eachcontain a respective set of generated command expressions. Furthermore,command grouping module 206-1 includes the functionality to arrangecommand groups in an order for subsequent execution of their respectivecommand sets.

For instance, command grouping module 206-1 groups generated commandexpressions 204-3, 204-4, 204-5, 204-6, 204-13, 204-14, 204-15, and/or204-16 based on their respective command types. Depending on the size ofan I/O command and/or the location of the memory device for which theI/O command is to be performed for, command grouping module 206-1determines how many generated command expressions are included in aparticular command group. Command groups include the same number ofgenerated command expressions or have different numbers. In thisfashion, generated command expressions associated with a particularcommand group are executed in a predetermined manner.

For example, with reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1E, 1 MBof data are stored. In different memory devices, such as memory devices305-1, 305-2, 305-3, and/or 305-4, so that the entire 1 MB of data doesnot need to be read in series. Thus, operations 215-1, 215-3, 215-13,and 215-15 represent four different “read” operations that are performedfor each memory device to read 256 KB of data. Similarly, operations215-2, 215-5, 215-14, and 215-16 represent four different “write”operations to be performed for each memory device.

FIG. 1F depicts another exemplary data structure for storing newlygenerated input/output command expressions for grouped execution inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, withreference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1F, command grouping module206-1 arranges the command group for “read” commands, such as commandgroup 216-1, to include generated command expressions 204-3, 204-5,204-13, and 204-15. Additionally, command grouping module 206-1 arrangesthe command group for “write” commands, such as command group 216-2, toinclude generated command expressions 204-4, 204-6, 204-14, and 204-16.

The ability of command grouping module 206-1 to perform groupingprocedures allows commands issued by a host device to have dependenciesand allow those dependencies to be specified in any order. For example,a host device may issue an I/O command to perform a “data integritycheck” operation. These operations require that a prior operation beperformed, such a “read” operation, and be fully executed prior to theperformance of data integrity operations and that all data stored in amemory device be read.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, command grouping module 206-1 includeslogic that specifies that a command group related to the performance of“read” operations be fully executed on a particular device before a dataintegrity operation is performed on the device. In this fashion, commandgrouping module 206-1 includes logic that allows for arbitrary rulespertaining to the order of generated command expression execution.Additionally, the grouping and/or arrangement of generated commandexpressions for execution are performed in an atomic manner, therebyallowing successive generated command expressions in a command group tobe executed in the order they were placed without the insertion of anyintermediate commands.

Furthermore, command grouping module 206-1 includes logic that allowsgenerated command expressions to be executed in parallel. For instance,command grouping module 206-1 generates additional identifiers thatspecify which sets of generated command expressions need to be executedin parallel. The ability of command grouping module 206-1 to enable theexecution of generated command expressions in parallel and/or includepredetermined dependencies thereby reduces system latencies in general.

FIG. 1G depicts a separate data structure scheme for storing newlygenerated input/output command expressions for grouped execution inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, withreference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1G, command grouping module206-1 arranges the command group for “read” commands, such as commandgroup 216-1, to be stored in a manner such, that generated commandexpressions 204-3, 204-5, 204-13, and 204-15 are stored in a single datastructure, such as data structure 205-4. Additionally, command groupingmodule 206-1 simultaneously arranges the command group for “write”commands, such as command group, 216-2, to be stored in a manner suchthat generated command expressions 204-4, 204-6, 204-14, and 204-16 arestored in a single data structure, such as data structure 205-N. Assuch, data structures 205-4 and 205-N include the functionality to beseparate data structures configured to store different types of commandgroups.

With further reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1D,input/output expression generation module 204 submits control signalsrelated to the arrangement of command groups generated by commandgrouping module 206-1 to input/output command execution module 208 forfurther processing. Command execution module 208 includes thefunctionality to receive a control signal from input/output expressiongeneration module 204 to begin processing generated command expressionsstored in data structures generated by data structure generation module205. Accordingly, in some embodiments, command execution module 208 ishardware capable of processing generated command expressions produced byinput/output expression generation module 204.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart of an exemplary process for executinginput/output commands expressed in different protocols using a singlecommon format in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

At step 401, the hardware parameter abstraction module abstractsparameters related to discovered hardware devices, such as flash memorydevices, and communicates parameters related to those devices to thesoftware parameter abstraction module for further processing.

At step 402, a host device issues an I/O command through a network busto perform an operation, such as a read or write operation, involving adiscovered flash memory device using either a non-vendor-specificprotocol (NVMe protocol) or a vendor-specific protocol (non-NVMeprotocol).

At step 403, the software parameter abstraction module receives the I/Ocommand issued during step 402 and abstracts parameters related to anoperation type and/or memory device location from the I/O command andstores those parameters in a data structure.

At step 404, the memory device translation module performs mappingprocedures to map block addresses received from the host device includedin the I/O command issued at step 402 to a physical address of thememory device.

At step 405, the software parameter abstraction module communicatesparameter data abstracted from the I/O command received at step 403 andmapping data from the memory device translation module generated at step404 to the input/output expression generation module for furtherprocessing.

At step 406, the command template generation module generates a new I/Ocommand expression using the data received during step 405. Thegenerated command expression created by the command template generationmodule expresses the I/O command issued at step 402 in a single commonformat that allows both vendor-specific protocols (or non-NVMe formattedcommands) and standardized formats (or NVMe formatted commands) to beharmonized and processed by all devices discovered at step 401.

At step 407, the new I/O command expression generated at step 406 iscommunicated to the appropriate memory device and processed inaccordance with the original I/O command issued at step 402.

FIG. 2B is a flowchart of an exemplary process for grouped execution ofinput/output commands expressed in different protocols using a singlecommon-format in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

At step 501, the command template generation module generates aplurality of different I/O command expressions using parameters receivedfrom a number of different I/O commands. The generated commandexpression created by the command template generation module expresseseach I/O command issued in a single common format that allows bothvendor specific protocols (or non-NVMe formatted commands) andstandardized formats (or NVMe formatted commands) to be harmonized andprocessed by all devices discovered by the hardware parameterabstraction module.

At step 502, the command template generation module stores the I/Ocommand expressions generated during step 501 into a data structuregenerated by the data structure generation module for furtherprocessing.

At step 503, the command grouping module performs grouping procedures ongenerated command expressions stored during step 502 based on apredetermined criteria, such as command type, thereby creating aplurality of different command groups.

At step 504, the command grouping module organizes command groupsdetermined during step 503 based on predetermined logic.

At step 505, the input/output command execution module executes thecommand groups in the order specified by the command grouping module atstep 504.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are describedabove with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in theart will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented invarious ways without changing the necessary features or the spirit ofthe present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will beinterpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that alltechniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope ofthe present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Thespecial-purpose computing devices may be hardwired to perform thetechniques; may include digital electronic devices, such as one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed to perform thetechniques; or may include one or more general purpose hardwareprocessors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant to programinstructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination. Suchspecial-purpose computing devices may also combine custom hardwiredlogic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming to accomplish thetechniques. The special-purpose computing devices may be databaseservers, storage devices, desktop computer systems, portable computersystems, handheld devices, networking devices, or any other device thatincorporates hardwired and/or program logic to implement the techniques.

In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the presentinvention, numerous specific details have been set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, itwill be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the presentinvention is able to be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, andcircuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

Although a method is able to be depicted as a sequence of numbered stepsfor clarity, the numbering does not necessarily dictate the order of thesteps. It should be understood that some of the steps may be skipped,performed in parallel, or performed without the requirement ofmaintaining a strict order of sequence. The drawings showing embodimentsof the invention are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and,particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentationand are shown exaggerated in the Figures. Similarly, although the viewsin the drawings for the ease of description generally show similarorientations, this depiction in the Figures is arbitrary for the mostpart.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure are thus described.While the present disclosure has been described in particularembodiments, it is intended that the invention shall be limited only tothe extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principlesof applicable law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of executing I/O commands, said methodcomprising: receiving a first I/O command of a first protocol and asecond I/O command of a second protocol that is different from saidfirst protocol, wherein said first and second I/O commands represent asame operation type; identifying one or more first parameters from thefirst I/O command and one or more second parameters from the second I/Ocommand; generating a first normalized command and a second normalizedcommand of a common format by populating a respective command templatewith the identified one or more first parameters and the identified oneor more second parameters; storing the generated first normalizedcommand and the generated second normalized command in one or morerespective data structures for execution by a memory device wherein saidfirst and second normalized commands represent instructions forperforming an action corresponding with execution of said first I/Ocommand and said second I/O command, respectively, each respectivenormalized command being grouped in the one or more data structures withone or more other normalized commands having a same command type as therespective normalized command for execution as a group of normalizedcommands; and communicating said first and second normalized commands tosaid memory device for processing such that said memory device executessaid first normalized command with the one or more other normalizedcommands in the same group having the command type of the firstnormalized command and executes said second normalized command with theone or more other normalized commands in the same group having thecommand type of the second normalized command.
 2. The method ofexecuting I/O commands as described in claim 1, wherein said receivingfurther comprises: receiving said first I/O command from a first hostdevice of a first device type and the second I/O command from a secondhost device of a second device type different than the first devicetype, wherein each respective normalized command in the one or more datastructures is associated with a respective device type, the firstnormalized command being associated in the one or more data structureswith the first device type and the second normalized command beingassociated in the one or more data structures with the second devicetype.
 3. The method of executing I/O commands as described in claim 1,further comprising: extracting a first set of I/O parameters related tosaid first I/O command and a second set of I/O parameters related tosaid second I/O command, the first set of I/O parameters being placed ina first predetermined section of the first normalized command and thesecond set of I/O parameters being placed in a different secondpredetermined section of the second normalized command.
 4. The method ofexecuting I/O commands as described in claim 1, wherein said first andsecond normalized commands are configured for execution by a pluralityof different memory devices.
 5. The method of executing I/O commands asdescribed in claim 1, wherein said first protocol is a vendor-specificstandard and said second protocol is a vendor-independent standard. 6.The method of executing I/O commands as described in claim 5, whereinsaid vendor-independent standard comprises a NVMe standard.
 7. A systemfor executing I/O commands, said system comprising one or more computingdevices including: a receiving module configured to receive a first I/Ocommand of a first protocol and a second I/O command of a secondprotocol that is different from said first protocol, wherein said firstand second I/O commands represent a same operation type; an abstractionmodule configured to identify one or more first parameters from thefirst I/O command and one or more second parameters from the second I/Ocommand; a normalization module configured to generate a firstnormalized command and a second normalized command in a common format bypopulating a respective command template with the identified one or morefirst parameters and the identified one or more second parameters; astorage module configured to store the generated first normalizedcommand and the generated second normalized command in one or more datastructures for execution by a memory device wherein said first andsecond normalized commands represent instructions for performing anaction corresponding with execution of said first I/O command and saidsecond I/O command, respectively, each respective normalized commandbeing grouped in the one or more data structures with one or more othernormalized commands having a same command type as the respectivenormalized command for execution as a group of normalized commands; anda communication module configured to communicate said first and secondnormalized commands to said memory device for processing such that saidmemory device executes said first normalized command with the one ormore other normalized commands in the same group having the command typeof the first normalized command and executes said second normalizedcommand with the one or more other normalized commands in the same grouphaving the command type of the second normalized command.
 8. The systemfor executing I/O commands as described in claim 7, wherein saidreceiving module is further operable to receive said first I/O commandfrom a first host device of a first device type and the second I/Ocommand from a second host device of a second device type different thanthe first device type, wherein each respective normalized command in theone or more data structures is associated with a respective device type,the first normalized command being associated in the one or more datastructures with the first device type and the second normalized commandbeing associated in the one or more data structures with the seconddevice type.
 9. The system for executing I/O commands as described inclaim 7, wherein said receiving module is further operable to extract afirst set of I/O parameters related to said first I/O command and asecond set of I/O parameters related to said second I/O command, thefirst set of I/O parameters being placed in a first predeterminedsection of the first normalized command and the second set of I/Oparameters being placed in a different second predetermined section ofthe second normalized command.
 10. The system for executing I/O commandsas described in claim 7, wherein said first and second normalizedcommands are configured for execution by a plurality of different memorydevices.
 11. The system for executing I/O commands, as described inclaim 7, wherein said system is implemented using a host device driver.12. The system for executing I/O commands as described in claim 7,wherein said system is implemented using firmware.
 13. A non-transitorymachine readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon that,when executed, cause a machine to perform a method comprising: receivinga first I/O command of a first protocol and a second I/O command of asecond protocol that is different from said first protocol, wherein saidfirst and second I/O commands represent a same operation type;identifying one or more first parameters from the first I/O command andone or more second parameters from the second I/O command; generating afirst normalized command and a second normalized command of a commonformat by populating a respective command template with the identifiedone or more first parameters and the identified one or more secondparameters; storing the generated first normalized command and thegenerated second normalized command in one or more respective datastructures for execution by a memory device wherein said first andsecond normalized commands represent instructions for performing anaction corresponding with execution of said first I/O command and saidsecond I/O command, respectively, each respective normalized commandbeing grouped in the one or more data structures with one or more othernormalized commands having a same command type as the respectivenormalized command for execution as a group of normalized commands; andcommunicating said first and second normalized commands to said memorydevice for processing such that said memory device executes said firstnormalized command with the one or more other normalized commands in thesame group having the command type of the first normalized command andexecutes said second normalized command with the one or more othernormalized commands in the same group having the command type of thesecond normalized command.
 14. The non-transitory machine readablemedium as described in claim 13, wherein, said receiving a first set ofparameters further comprises: receiving said first I/O command from afirst host device of a first device type and the second I/O command froma second host device of a second device type different than the firstdevice type, wherein each respective normalized command in the one ormore data structures is associated with a respective device type, thefirst normalized command being associated in the one or more datastructures with the first device type and the second normalized commandbeing associated in the one or more data structures with the seconddevice type.
 15. The non-transitory machine readable medium as describedin claim 13, wherein said receiving a second set of parameters furthercomprises: receiving hardware parameters related to said memory device.16. The non-transitory machine readable medium as described in claim 15,wherein said first parameters comprise hardware parameters.
 17. Thenon-transitory machine readable medium as described in claim 13, whereinsaid first normalized command is configured for execution by a pluralityof different memory devices.
 18. The non-transitory machine readablemedium as described in claim 17, wherein said plurality of differentmemory devices comprises a plurality of flash memory devices.